Braintree Town 1-3 Southport

Southport secured a vital win in their fight against Blue Square Bet Premier relegation with victory at Braintree.

Shaun Whalley laid on Southport's first two goals, crossing first for Chris Almond to tap in and then finding Simon Grand, who finished at the back post.

Sean Marks headed in Ben Wright's cross as Braintree responded, but Almond hit a stunning 35-yard strike to restore the two-goal lead.

And the visitors survived late pressure to move four points clear of danger.

Southport signed former Colchester United winger Merrick James-Lewis earlier on Wednesday and the 20-year-old was named on the bench.